KLIA Aerotrain glitch not mechanical failure
He said that in any system, such operational disruptions are common and must be tackled through continuous system and software maintenance.
'It wasn't a breakdown but a technical glitch, a software bug. In any system, there will be occasional disruptions, bugs, and other issues that must be addressed and fixed.
'The disruption was resolved within 15 minutes,' he told reporters after opening the ASEAN-China International Rail Transit Forum 2025 here today.
Loke expressed regret over the disruptions in the past month but clarified that the Aerotrain service continues to record high passenger volumes, with 1.5 million passengers a month and hundreds of trips daily.
He also urged Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to pay serious attention to the contractors and vendors involved in maintaining the service.
On Monday, the media reported calls from several quarters urging the Transport Ministry to establish a special committee to investigate the cause of service disruptions, which allegedly occurred at least five times since the service resumed on July 1.
On the third-generation Electric Train Service (ETS3) project to Johor Bharu, Loke said it is progressing as planned, contrary to claims by some parties.
'It is definitely inaccurate to say there was a delay. I have already mentioned a few months ago that the ETS3 project will be implemented in phases. It is not a delay,' he stressed.
He clarified that the ETS3 is already operational up to Segamat (first phase), while the second phase to Kluang is set to begin service before Aug 31, followed by the third phase to Johor Bahru Sentral by the end of the year.
He said the ministry is awaiting confirmation on the launch date for the second phase, as the first train will be driven by a VIP, adding that an official announcement will be made later this month.
'The ministry is committed to starting the service before Aug 31,' he added.
Meanwhile, Loke said Malaysia is looking forward to realising greater rail connectivity with China, particularly in facilitating cross-border rail freight.
He emphasised that such connectivity cannot be achieved by Malaysia alone and requires strong collaboration with other ASEAN member states, especially Thailand and Laos, to ensure seamless regional integration.
'We cannot do it alone. We must work together with our ASEAN partners to enhance connectivity between ASEAN and China,' he said, adding that improved cooperation would strengthen logistics networks and economic ties across the region.
Earlier in his opening remarks at the forum, Loke said the event symbolises the strengthening of ASEAN-China cooperation and reflects a shared vision for a smarter, greener and more connected future.
He said the global rail sector is undergoing a renaissance, driven by climate urgency, digital disruption and economic transformation, stressing that for Malaysia, investing in rail is no longer just about infrastructure but has become a national economic and environmental imperative. - Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Trading ideas: PTT, Azam Jaya, Harvest Miracle, AmFIRST REIT, Citaglobal, Pharmaniaga, Saliran, Pentamaster, Magma
KUALA LUMPUR: Here is a recap of the announcements that made headlines in Corporate Malaysia. PTT Synergy Group Bhd has allocated RM2.3bn in capital expenditure over the next two years for its automated warehouse business, which will cover the development of four new automated warehouses. Azam Jaya Bhd's unit Pembinaan Azam Jaya Sdn Bhd has bagged a RM120.9mn contract from the Transport Ministry for upgrading works at Tawau Airport in Sabah. Harvest Miracle Capital Bhd is formally diversifying into construction materials trading after successfully dipping its toes into the segment. AmFIRST Real Estate Investment Trust has appointed Mana Mana Holdings Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Exsim Hospitality Bhd, as the project manager of the refurbishment and rebranding of the Summit Hotel Subang USJ in Selangor. The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has increased his stake in Citaglobal Bhd to 13.3% following the off-market acquisition of 15mn shares. Pharmaniaga Bhd has completed its regularisation plan, with the completion of RM520mn capital reduction that trimmed the pharmaceutical group's issued share capital to RM249.6mn, as well as wipe out its accumulated losses. Saliran Group Bhd inked a MoU with China-based Maoming Port Group Co Ltd and Malaysia's PCA Group Sdn Bhd to establish a framework for cooperation in the oil and gas sector. Pentamaster Corp Bhd 's net profit for 2QFY25 declined 41.7% YoY to RM11.6mn from RM19.9mn previously, dragged down by lower contribution from its factory automation segment and unfavourable foreign exchange losses. Magma Group Bhd former executive chairman Datuk Seri Ismail @ Farouk Abdullah has ceased to be a substantial shareholder in the hotel management and property development company, following a 0.24% stake trim to 4.9%.
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Asean news headlines as at 10pm on Tuesday (July 8)
Malaysia * Rubio to attend Asean meeting in first Asia trip * M'sia to continue striving for mutually beneficial trade deal with US, says Miti * Asean urged to stay united in keeping region free of nuclear weapons * Asean's Zopfan revived thanks to China and Russia's support, says expert * Rosmah awarded RM100,000 in TikTok defamation lawsuit * Timor-Leste's accession to SEANWFZ treaty will expand nuclear-free region, says Tok Mat * Malaysia hit with 25% tariffs, up from 24% * New director-general Mohd Shuhaily aims to transform border control agency * The 47th Asean Summit in KL poised to be largest ever * Malaysia scores RM1.16bil in potential sales at Paris Airshow * Ex-oil company exec charged with over RM400,000 in bribes * Salesman charged with cheating in RM5.1mil glove deal * AICHR aims for historic adoption of two human rights declarations under Malaysia's leadership * Four foreign nationals, one Malaysian charged with drug trafficking * Nhaveen murder trial put off pending apex court decision on appeal * INTERACTIVE: What you need to know about Malaysia's exports to the US, in 4 charts * US clouds Malaysia rate path with surprise threat of 25% tariff * AKPS implements stricter recruitment policies to combat smuggling * Asean prioritises human rights in its regional integration efforts * Visits to Italy, France and Brazil achieved key objectives, says PM Anwar * Three major events set to turn KL into urban development nexus in August * JPJ recalls 8,322 Kia, Yamaha, Mercedes-Benz vehicles * Manhunt for a monk: Suspected molester sought by Sepang cops * Putra Heights inferno: Sime Darby selected to rebuild destroyed houses, says Amirudin * China-based chain Nong Geng Ji expands its footprint in the Klang Valley Singapore * Malaysian tycoon Ong Beng Seng's new pre-trial conference date in Singapore set for July 23 * Two Malaysians found hiding in car boot in bid to leave Singapore illegally * Singapore FM to attend 58th AMM and related meetings in Kuala Lumpur * Man jailed for buying at least 20 iPhones worth S$40,000 using credit card details of scam victims * SIA flight from Brisbane to Singapore diverted to Perth due to technical issue: Report Thailand * Thailand drops casino legalisation plans after PM suspended * Pop Mart plane makes debut flight to celebrate China-Thailand anniversary * Autistic boy allegedly sets fire to Thai shopping mall * Thai authorities vow crackdown on cannabis-infused products after toddler hospitalised * Cultural row erupts as Thai dress seeks Unesco status amid Cambodian claim * Thai exports brace for impact as US slaps 36% tariff Indonesia * Ferry accident in Bali strait sparks calls to improve Indonesia's maritime safety * Prabowo's BRICS debut puts Indonesia's Asean ties and US relations to the test, analysts say * Death toll from passenger ship sinking in Bali Strait rises to ten * Malaysia, Indonesia to open over 10 new border entry points in Kalimantan, says Saifuddin * Indonesia pledges to buy more US wheat in bid for trade deal * Jakarta's Asean Park plan faces pushback over Barito Market relocation * Indonesian charged with countryman's murder in Sibu Philippines * Philippines struggles to green schools amid climate risks * Philippines summons Chinese envoy over sanctions against former senator * Filipino singer Ronnie Liang says over 100 women victimised by fake AI videos of him * Philippines detains 15 police officers over alleged killings of cockfighting fans Vietnam * Vietnam to offer unprecedented incentives for digital tech companies * Hanoi court sentences man to death for murdering entire family * Vietnam State Bank readies measures to counter tariff impact * Vietnam to complete 900km of expressways in 2025 Cambodia * Cambodia ready to fund transport of 20 antiquities from Thailand * US revises trade tariff on Cambodia to 36 per cent * Cambodian garment workers fret Trump's new tariff threat Myanmar * Myanmar's rare twin elephant calf dies after being accidentally trampled by mother * Fishing season resumes in Myanmar's waters, but Labour shortages hinder operations Laos * Laos rolls out Bus Rapid Transit trial to boost public transport * Ethnic festival showcases rich cultural diversity of Laos Brunei * Brunei Sultan calls for reforms in zakat governance during surprise visit * Cleaner jailed for outraging modesty of Brunei teen in department store toilet Aseanplus * China says Australian PM Albanese to visit this week * South Korea trade minister seeks reduction in auto, steel tariffs * From 'fantastic' to 'spoiled': How Japan's trade effort to woo Trump backfired * Tropical storm Danas looms over China after battering Taiwan, killing two * China detains principal over lead poisoning of 200 children * Japanese Emperor Naruhito meets Mongolian president to boost ties * China's Li, Brazil's Lula pledge joint effort to bring AI to farming * Dozens missing after floods on Nepal-China border * Seoul scorches at 37.8 deg C, highest early-July temperature ever recorded * Asian nations push for US tariff concessions before August deadline * Japanese racehorse famed for losing all her races sees surge in popularity after mobile game launch * China probes Wuhan ex-mayor who presided over Covid response * High-flying Indonesian and leading South-East Asian R&B band Juicy Luicy to headline Malaysia's Ruang Inspirasi Festival (RIF) on Aug 17 * Indian villagers beat five to death for 'witchcraft' * China-based chain Nong Geng Ji expands its footprint in the Klang Valley * Pakistan army chief rejects Indian allegation of Chinese help in May conflict * Crowds celebrate Nepal ex-king's birthday in show of support * TVB star Kelly Fu eats 12 durians on first trip to Malaysia while co-star Owen Cheung struggles with a bite * TikTok reportedly prepping new app in the US as potential sale looms * Catch some sleep at these cute Pokemon rooms in Japan * Court to hold hearing on ex-leader Yoon's detention warrant * Lurid tale of China's cross-dressing 'red uncle' goes viral online * In Hiroshima, search for remains keeps war alive for lone volunteer * Hong Kong should have 'real' dialogue on same-sex partnership plan: LGBTQ groups * Pakistan confiscates 18 lions kept as pets in crackdown after attack * Which K-drama made South Korean President Lee Jae-myung cry? * iQIYI's C-dramas score big as eight of its series are in Enlightent's Top 20 cumulative effective plays in the first half of 2025 * Shinee member Taemin apologises for earthquake remarks on live stream * HK actress Samantha Ko discloses struggle with mental health issues and panic attacks * Ex-TVB star Lee Lung Kei, 74, embraces 38YO fiancee upon her release from prison: 'I've been waiting for a long time' * Most markets rise as Trump sends tariff letters, delays deadline
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
No compromise on country's sovereignty
KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said every action the government takes on the South China Sea issue is based on thorough and strategic consideration, and that Malaysia's sovereignty will not be compromised. He said matters related to the South China Sea were complex and sensitive and must be approached with great caution and diligence. "I wish to emphasise that in dealing with disputes over the South China Sea, the government takes all necessary steps to ensure our sovereignty, sovereign rights and national interests remain central to every decision made," he said in a written reply in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. "The government also consistently affirms Malaysia's position in all engagements with foreign nations, at every level, from heads of state to government officials." Mohamad was responding to a question from Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (PN-Pagoh), who asked about the measures the government was taking to ensure Malaysia maintained a neutral yet sovereign position in international conflicts. Muhyiddin's question referenced the Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 case, the South China Sea dispute and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent visits to Russia and China. Mohamad said in its role as the Asean-China country coordinator until July 2027, Malaysia was working to expedite the negotiation process of the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea to ensure a substantive and effective agreement was concluded as soon as possible. "Malaysia will continue to uphold its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and national interests in its maritime zones in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea." On MH17, Mohamad said Malaysia remained committed to pursuing justice for all victims, their families, and the parties involved. He said Anwar raised the outcome of the legal proceedings relating to the MH17 tragedy during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on May 14. "President Putin expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, describing the incident as a tragedy, and gave assurance that Russia would cooperate with an independent and credible investigation. "The Malaysian government reaffirms its commitment to a transparent judicial process, in accordance with international law, to hold those responsible for this horrific tragedy accountable, and remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice for the victims' families," he added.
